“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” — 1 John 4:1 NIV

In my study at home I have a piece of wooden decor on my book case that reads, IF YOU DON’T STAND FOR SOMETHING YOU WILL FALL FOR ANYTHING. It was given to me by one of my parishioners in the last church I served as pastor, so I see it in a religious context. It reminds me that I ought to resist every proclaimed belief I hear unless it squares with the truth that I stand for. Since I am a non-denominational ordained minister my supreme source of truth is the Bible.

Whatever truth you choose to stand on, as it relates to spiritual issues or even in social issues, stand because that will keep you from waffling through everyone’s philosophies, opinions, and bad ideas. It doesn’t mean that you can’t be neutral in others’ arguments. It’s OK and even good to stay out of the fray of others’ debates. Ours is an age where it seems that everyone is clamoring for allegiance, but we don’t have to fall for everyone’s promotions and we shouldn’t if we are standing for something.

This week, contemplate what you should be standing for and you’ll find it easier to resist falling for anything.